CoD 4 was the answer to all the casuals crying about needing more to play for than just good gameplay, I witnessed many tear soaked threads about it. Something else that was popular then was crying about "balance", as in how they felt powerless against people who where better than them. I believe that's what sparked the creation of "perks". The constant nipple feeding of the casuals is why CoD is in the state it's in. Nowadays after launch, even with DLC, titles are dropping online populations rather quickly. Seems like it's as fast as... Oh look a butterfly...
I despise MLG, yet everyone always refers to them when replying to me. Competitive gameplay =/= competitive gaming, two completely different things.
Why is it so hard for people to see all the gimmicks? Why do people need a constant pat on the back for just playing the damn game? I find it rather funny that you listed the stuff MLG won't allow, it's a rather comprehensive list of gimmicks. Many of the gimmicks listed were forged by the tears of the thumbless zombies, things added to make them feel "equal". Yet you view removing them as "dumbing" down the game, I find that ironic. How is removing the gimmicks that attempt to make every soccer mom of a gamer equal to players better than them "dumbing" down the game? Removing the elements that restrict competitive gameplay, as in CoD 2 like, makes for a far more team based game. It makes encounters more "balanced" and rewards teamwork. What we have now are perks/gimmicks thrown into the mix to "balance" out good players and bad players, putting them on more equal ground. Hopefully you feel enlightened, I believe I explained that fairly well. I could elaborate further if you wish.
You also seemed to speak like teamwork required countless hours to accomplish. It might be for the thumbless zombies that need all the gimmicks that negate teamwork but it's second nature to many.
I didn't think you would touch base on my single player comment, can't really debate that one now can you.